1911-style handguns
The 1911 is easily our most popular handgun, and without a doubt, the most modified. Everyone wants a good trigger, but an accomplished shooter wants a better barrel too. The right barrel, with a custom-grade fitting, ensures the pistol returns to battery in exactly the same place—time after time. After the trigger, this is likely the biggest handgun accuracy enhancer.
Why is the 1911 not only popular but at the top of the heap? Simple. The human engineering behind the pistol has never been bested. The straight to the rear trigger compression, a low bore axis that limits muzzle flip, and excellent hand fit make for a fast and sure handling handgun. The controls, including the slide lock, magazine release, and safety, are within reach without shifting the firing grip. What else could you ask for?
The Coonan really shines as a field and hunting handgun for those that appreciate an instant second shot and the fast handling of the 1911 design. The pistol is fast on target to the first shot, but recoil is such that fast follow-up shots are not in the class with the .45 ACP. And that is ok.
While designed for service use the pistol is suitable for competition and given proper leather, concealed carry. The TRP is a pistol that encourages shooting. You have got to see what it will do and the rewards are there are those willing to master the piece.
The Guardian is what is referred to as a Commander-type pistol. The Guardian features a 4.25-inch barrel and a full-length grip frame. This isn’t a compromise. Instead, it is ideal for concealed carry. The full-size grip allows fast handling. The sight radius is shorter than the 5-inch barrel Government Model, but excellent shooting may be done with the handgun by those that practice. Read the full story to find out why this should be your next pistol.
Before I begin singing the praises of the Springfield EMP 1911, I should say that I have never felt the 9mm 1911 made a lot of sense. It was like putting a six cylinder engine in a Corvette. The 10mm 1911 is like a 454 Chevelle by comparison. However, the Springfield EMP is not an average 1911 9mm.
The Competition Pistol is a go-anywhere do-anything 1911, that while geared for competition, will also serve well for personal defense. Priced at less than $1,000 and generally available for $899 or less, the Competition Pistol is more than fair for a pistol with this pedigree and performance.
A recap or sampling of the most active, interesting, or on occasion, randomly selected reader comments from the previous week.
H.R. 2810 starts with a pilot program that will transfer between 8,000 and 10,000 1911s to the CMP for sale to the public. The Secretary of Defense, currently Gen, Mattis, will then report the outcome of the program to Congress. The Secretary of Defense is then authorized to continue transferring up to 10,000 1911s per year for sale to the public through the CMP.
Should you carry the most expensive handgun you own or a beater? Some say carry a cheap handgun if you have a cheap life. One camp like to carry a showpiece, while the other wants to have a safe queen in pristine condition. In the end, it is reliability that counts most. Anyway you slice it, Wilson’s Combat EDC X9 is a gun worth betting your life on.